Historic Milestone: Two Navy Football Players Selected in NFL Draft After 70-Year Gap

The NFL draft saw a historic moment on Saturday as two players from the U.S. Naval Academy were selected for the first time in 70 years. Seniors Eli Heidenreich and Landon Robinson, both members of Navy’s football team, were picked in the seventh round, marking a significant achievement for military athletes.

Robinson, an Ohio native, was chosen by the Cincinnati Bengals as the 226th overall pick. During his three seasons at Navy, he excelled as a nose guard, recording 153 tackles over 38 games. He served as co-captain of the team this past season and earned the honor of being named the American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2025.

Heidenreich, selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers as the 230th pick, showcased his versatility on offense, playing both wide receiver and running back for Navy. Over three seasons, he accumulated more than 100 receptions and nearly two dozen touchdowns, solidifying his status as a key offensive player.

This milestone comes thanks to provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act, which allows a limited number of military academy athletes to pursue professional sports while deferring their active-duty service. Robinson and Heidenreich are set to graduate in May and will be commissioned into the reserves before beginning their NFL careers. Their selection highlights both their athletic prowess and the unique opportunities available to military athletes.

The last time two Navy players were drafted in the same year was in 1956, when George Welsh and Ron Beagle were picked by the Chicago Cardinals. This new chapter for Navy football underscores the academy’s commitment to producing not only disciplined service members but also competitive athletes capable of excelling at the highest level.